The death of Ryan O’Neal in December 2023 left Hollywood mourning the loss of a legendary actor. Known for his roles in Love Story and Barry Lyndon, O’Neal’s passing marked the end of an era. However, his funeral was marked by the absence of several family members, including his son Redmond O’Neal, highlighting the family’s complicated relationships.
Redmond, the son of Ryan and the late Farrah Fawcett, was unable to attend his father’s funeral due to his confinement in a California state hospital. The 38-year-old has long struggled with addiction and mental health issues, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, which have led to multiple incarcerations and hospitalizations.
Redmond’s absence was particularly poignant given the circumstances of his mother’s death in 2009. At that time, he was allowed to attend her funeral in shackles, a heartbreaking reminder of his troubled life. Despite Ryan’s promise to Farrah to care for their son, their relationship had soured over the years, with Redmond refusing to see his father during his final illness.
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Griffin O’Neal, Ryan’s son from his first marriage to Joanna Moore, also missed the funeral. Griffin revealed that he wasn’t invited to the service, despite traveling from Houston to Los Angeles to pay his respects. The two had been estranged for 17 years following a violent confrontation in 2007.
Patrick O’Neal, Ryan’s other son, organized the small, private funeral, which was attended by only about 25 people, including Ryan’s second wife, Leigh Taylor-Young. Notably absent was Ryan’s daughter, Tatum O’Neal, who had reconciled with her father in the late 2000s after a 20-year estrangement.
Ryan’s casket was laid to rest beside Farrah Fawcett at Westwood Memorial Park Cemetery, fulfilling his wish to be reunited with his longtime partner. However, this decision was not without controversy. Farrah’s college sweetheart, Greg Lott, and her friend Craig Nevius accused Ryan of disregarding her final wishes regarding her burial.
Patrick O’Neal has since taken on the role of defending his father’s legacy, publicly criticizing those who speak negatively about Ryan and expressing frustration over the Television Academy’s initial failure to include his father in their “In Memoriam” tribute.
Ryan O’Neal’s life was a mix of professional triumphs and personal challenges. His funeral, though small and private, reflected the complexities of his relationships and the enduring impact of his legacy in Hollywood.
